Dr. Cohen studied at Vassar College, where she dual majored in Mathematics and Physics (BA, 1968), and then at Syracuse University, where she earned a PhD in Mathematics in 1974. After marrying her husband Rich Riesenfeld in 1974, she joined the University of Utah as a non-tenure-track faculty member in the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics. Her research focused on computer graphics and geometric modeling, fields that were then in their infancy. She rose through the faculty ranks in Computer Science and was ultimately appointed University Distinguished Professor in 2021.

Elaine became internationally recognized for her fundamental contributions in mathematics, computer science and related areas. She published more than 150 works in scientific journals and proceedings, supervised 21 PhD students, and served as Principal Investigator for over 25 research grants. Together with Rich, she created the Alpha_1 project, which for 20 years advanced computational capabilities for designing, representing, and analyzing complex freeform geometric structures.

As a pioneer in her field, and for many years the only woman among the regular faculty in the University of Utah College of Engineering, Dr. Cohen was honored to be an invited speaker at the inaugural Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in 1994, presenting on “From Mathematics to Manufacturing.” She received many awards recognizing her contributions, including the Pierre Bézier Award (2009) and the John A. Gregory Memorial Award (2014), the two highest honors in her field.

Elaine’s tenacity, curiosity, and authenticity made her a remarkable role model for her students, colleagues, and daughters. She championed opportunities for others to grow, learn, and lead as their authentic selves.

This scholarship fund will support women technologists as they begin and grow their careers, helping them thrive in the fields Dr. Cohen dedicated her life to advancing.

If you’d like to contribute to honor Dr. Elaine Cohen’s legacy, contributions of all sizes are welcome and will help provide opportunities, resources, and support to emerging technologists.